Iran, one of the world's ancient civilizations is today the 18th largest country worldwide. With its population of approx. 70 Mio. Iran is a nation between tradition and modernity. This country is anything but a homogenous society, neither ethnically nor religiously. The divide between rich and poor is another aspect.

Ethnic groups:Persian 51%, Azeri (Turkish)24%, Gilaki and Mazandarani 8%, Kurd 7%, Arab 3%, Lur 2%, Baluch 2%, Turkmen 2%, other 1% (Assyrian, Armenian, Georgian, Qashqai etc.)

Religions:Muslim 98% (Shi'a 89%, Sunni 9%), other (includes Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian and Baha'i) 2%

Languages:Persian and Persian dialects 58%, Turkic and Turkic dialects 26%, Kurdish 9%, Luri 2%, Baluchi 2%, Arabic 1%, other 2%